Documents medical surveillance 426 results

"Objective
The aim of this study was to describe time trends of incidence/prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders, in a French region over an 8-year period.
Methods
Three independent data sources were analyzed for the population of the Pays de la Loire region aged 20–59 between 2004 and 2011: hospital discharge records for “surgically treated CTS” (SURG-CTS), the social insurance data on “CTS compensated for as an occupational disease” (OD-CTS), and the regional surveillance program of “work-related diseases” (WRD-CTS). Case counts were analyzed using negative binomial regression models and cubic spline curves with year as the main covariate.
Results
The annual incidence rates of SURG-CTS decreased from 3.35 to 2.98 per 1000 person-years over the 8-year period, with an overall declining trend [-2.00%, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) -3.07– -0.91%), P<0.001]. The annual incidence rate of OD-CTS per 1000 person-years decreased (from 1.52 to 1.01) between 2004 and 2007 and increased after 2007 (from 1.45 to 2.34), with an overall gain of 54% during the study period. The prevalence rate of WRD-CTS decreased from 5.04 (95% CI 3.90–6.13) to 3.08 (95% CI 2.11–4.06) per 1000 employed person-years, with a non-significant trend between 2004 and 2011.
Conclusion
The study showed declining rates of SURG-CTS and WRD-CTS in the population of working age between 2004 and 2011, contrasting with increasing rate of OD-CTS after 2007. More research and surveillance data are needed to assess whether and to what extent the declining rates of CTS are actually attributable to improvement in working conditions and/or to non-occupational factors."

"This document describes the structures and practices of occupational health services (OHS) in 17 European countries, with particular regard to aspects that have a bearing on service quality. The survey describes the features, regulatory background and OHS practices, and demonstrates the heterogeneity and complexity of the policies and practices of OHS in Europe. The presentation of OHS in Europe is of considerable scope, and can therefore be useful to all those involved in the planning and administration of OHS at national or international levels."

"Les objectifs de ces recommandations sont :
Définir les modalités de surveillance médico-professionnelle, incluant les aspects de prévention spécifiques, adaptées aux situations d'expositions professionnelles et conformes aux connaissances actuelles sur les relations dose-effet et les modélisations du risque de cancer bronchique selon les facteurs de risque, les caractéristiques évolutives, et les possibilités thérapeutiques pour le CBP : population visée, outils diagnostiques, périodicité ;
Homogénéiser les pratiques des professionnels de santé concernés (médecins du travail, médecins généralistes, cancérologues et pneumologues) par la surveillance médico-professionnelle des sujets exposés à des cancérogènes pour le poumon, incluant les aspects de prévention spécifiques ;
Assurer une cohérence entre le suivi au cours de vie professionnelle (pendant l'exposition, notamment en cas de changement d'employeurs, et après l'exposition) et le suivi post-professionnel, pour optimiser la surveillance médicale des personnes suivies. Prendre en compte les spécificités liées aux travailleurs ayant (ou ayant eu) des parcours professionnels non linéaires (en particulier périodes de chômage, réorientations professionnelles, périodes de travail intérimaire, changements de régime de protection sociale au cours de la vie professionnelle)."

"There has been a considerable scientific, governmental, and public interest in potential adverse health effects associated with exposure to engineered or synthesized nanomaterials. Although such effects have not been reported in humans, there is accumulating evidence from animal studies that exposure to some nanomaterials may be harmful. There is sparse knowledge as to the likelihood, frequency, and intensity of exposures experienced by those working around engineered nanoparticles. Similarly, there is little knowledge regarding the potential existence, type, and dose dependence of adverse health effects, which might result from workplace exposures to engineered nanoparticles. This uncertainty, reflecting a relative lack of research, makes it difficult at present (and probably for the near future) to fully rely upon firm scientific evidence for the development of rational, preventive, and screening measures to protect against such potential effects. Recognizing this predicament, the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM)has developed this guidance document for occupational medicine physicians and their colleagues. The purpose of the document is to offer current prudent preventive recommendations on the topics of exposure monitoring, exposure controls, and medical surveillance. This document will not attempt to review the rapidly evolving animal toxicology literature in detail, as any review would be quickly outdated, but general areas of concern will be discussed."